I took a Mechanical Engineering Course the other year and used SolidWorks, a solid modeling CAD program. I really enjoyed it and found it to be highly intuitive for me. Unfortunately, the version I had was an academic version only good for something like 6 months. That and I dont believe it had the capability to export to object formats like x. ( I dont know much about object formats and whatnot though) So anyways, this was 2 years ago. Recently I had decided I would like to do some 3d models of things like spacecraft to load into a 3d engine I'm working on in my spare time. I've tried using Blender and have had some difficulty in getting into it, even using the tutorials. So basically my question boils down to: does anyone know of any decent solid modeling software thats free / < 100$ that can export to usable formats? Or has anyone used Solidworks and have any suggestions on what other modeling software may be a good transition?

Well wings3d is great (and free), but if you require the technical precision of a decent CAD package I'm not sure if this should be your choice.

Quote:

Original post by Kuladus Well wings3d is great (and free), but if you require the technical precision of a decent CAD package I'm not sure if this should be your choice.

I dont require technical precision, I just want to make some spaceship type models and enjoy doing it :-)
It just happens that the only modeling program I have real experience with is a professional and hirely technical one. :-/

Well you are in luck there,

You can download either Maya or 3dMax for free. Maya PLE is a free version of the industry standard Maya application. It's free for none profit use.

You can also get 3D Studio Max which also comes in a free version.

You cna find link their offical sites.

Google for the the name.

By the way, we are also making a 3D engine with Space Ships and all. So you might want to check out our site. If you want ot chat, send me a line. I'm a modeller myself.

Dan

I've been using 3d Canvas Pro for modelling space ships. It's cheap (about 60 eur) and it's easy to learn and use. It exports all the common formats, like .x .3ds .obj and .lwo to name a few.

Some screenshots from a game I'm making graphics for can be found here:
http://koti.mbnet.fi/marwer/nowa2/
Textures were done with Paint Shop pro and Ultimate Unwrap 3d.

3d Canvas Official site:
http://www.amabilis.com

hi,

quick note: Maya, max & any other free learning additions will not export in std formats i.e. .obj, .x and renders are usually watermarked.

A good recommendation is to search the shelves of your local newsagent for 3d mags, these usually come bundled with a coverdisk featuring old rev 3d apps, I recently picked up a magazine with an old version of caligari featured (usually $400+), Ive heard of apps like milkshape (never used) but I think these are also free? Check the coverdisks, my recommendation.

Hope this helps a bit.....

PTC Pro/Desktop is a lightweight CAD/CAE application for solid modeling, based on their high-end modeler Pro/Engineer. They used to offer it as a free download, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Anyway, the price should be very reasonable - you can ask for a price quote directly from them.

The program itself was quite high quality, considering it was available for free. I can imagine that they have improved it even more, as now they ask money for it [wink]

I recommend Blender for skinning work, though - it has never been a strong point of PTC's products (which I've used).

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

Im at home on dialup, so I cant download anything to try right now.
I think I may go with 3d Canvas though, Going to try out their trial version first though.

If anyone else has any ideas, feel free to post them please :-)